“And he was so popular, hundreds of people turned up to his funeral and they came from all over.

“Mark was a party animal and a people person. He did not like being on his own. He would always help people out. On Christmas and birthdays he would be the one putting the toys together and setting up the computers.

“He was one of a kind. He was just so soft and wouldn’t hurt a fly. I don’t know what we’ll do without him.”